A training course is required to become a certified diver. After that, you will be issued a scuba diving certificate from the certifying body. PADI, Scuba Diving International or SSI are the certifying bodies for scuba diving. There are other certifying bodies as well, such as SSI, but these are the most common. Continue reading to learn more about certification. We'll talk about the benefits and which certification is best for you.
PADI
PADI stands to Professional Association of Diving Instructors. John Cronin, Ralph Erickson and Ralph Erickson founded the organization in 1966. It is both a membership organization and a diving training organization. Before instructing others, members need to obtain the PADI certification. PADI certifications can be recognized internationally as the standard for instruction in diving. These certifications guarantee the highest standards in safety and training for all divers.
Scuba Diving International
Scuba Diving International, (SADI), offers scuba certifications. Technical Diving International is Technical Diving International's recreational arm. SADI's mission is to teach people how to dive. Certifications are offered for all levels of diving, including beginners, advanced divers, and professional instructors. Besides scuba certifications, SADI also provides a wealth of information about scuba diving.
SSI
You may be wondering which scuba certification is best for you. Although the SSI and PADI courses have many similarities, the main difference is in the order that the skills are taught. PADI requires that all students complete all skills in a prescribed order, whereas SSI's flexible approach means that a diver can skip a skill if they're having trouble with another. This can help them gain more confidence.
Other certifying agencies
There are many agencies that give scuba divers certifications. While the basic hierarchy is similar across all agencies, names and requirements can vary. In general, the equivalent certification levels will be open water, divemaster, or instructor. The table below provides a rough guide to scuba diving qualifications. Benchmarks are the ISO 24801-2, ISO 24801-3, or BSAC certificates.
Specialties offered
There are numerous specialties offered in certification scuba diving, including deep dives and ice diving. These specialized courses introduce divers to new worlds beneath the ocean's surface. Divers can choose from hundreds of different specialty courses. Some of these include night diving, where divers can observe nocturnal creatures such as octopi and certain types of fish. Some courses allow divers to make baskets while they are underwater.
Certification for scuba diving is expensive
The cost to become certified scuba diver varies according to the location and class. PADI Open Water certification costs approximately $500. It can be more expensive if you want to dive in Maui. The certification costs include the cost of your scuba gear (including a mask, fins, and snorkel). This certification is a wonderful way to learn how to dive in the ocean.